3 1 Therefore, bearing[a] it no longer, we preferred[b] to be left-behind in Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and a fellow-worker of God in[c] the good-news of Christ, so that he might establish[d] you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one might be disturbed[e] by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed[f] for this. 4 For even when we were with you, we were telling you beforehand that we were going to be afflicted, just as indeed it happened, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, and I bearing it no longer, I sent Timothy so as to know your faith— that the one tempting had not somehow tempted you and our labor proved-to-be in vain[g].
Timothy Now Returned With Encouraging News About Your Faith And Love. I Am Rejoicing!
6 And Timothy having just-now[h] come to us from you, and having announced-the-good-news to us as to your faith and love, and that you have a good remembrance of us always[i], yearning to see us just as we also you— 7 because of this, brothers, we were encouraged over you in all our distress and affliction, through your faith. 8 Because now we live!— if you are standing-firm in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return[j] to God for you for all the joy with which we are-rejoicing[k] because of you before our God?— 10 while praying super-abundantly by night and by day that we may see your face and complete the things lacking from your faith.
May God And Our Lord Jesus Guide Our Ways And Cause Us To Abound In Love
11 Now may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for everyone (just as we also for you), 13 so that He may establish your hearts so as to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His holy[l] ones. Amen.
Footnotes
- 1 Thessalonians 3:1 Or, enduring.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:1 Or, were well-pleased, were delighted.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2 That is, in connection with.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2 Or, stabilize, support, strengthen.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:3 Or, shaken, moved.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:3 Or, destined.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:5 That is, without lasting result.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:6 This occurs in Act 18:5.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:6 Or, us, always yearning.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:9 Or, give back, repay.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:9 Or, are-joyful.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:13 That is, saints; or, angels; or, both.